ON OUR RADAR | HAPPENINGS | CABANA MAGAZINE
International designers de Gournay and Vikram Goyal showcase their first creative collaboration at the de Gournay showroom in London's Chelsea: a collection of gilded wallpaper designs, handcrafted in New Delhi.
BY SOPHIE GOODWIN | HAPPENINGS | 14 OCTOBER 2024
Cabana partner Vikram Goyal last week unveiled his unique design collaboration with de Gournay during one of the busiest periods in the London art calendar.
The New Delhi-based designer hot footed it from his stand at PAD in Berkeley Square - a collaboration with Milan-based gallery Nilufar - to the de Gournay showroom on Chelsea's Old Church Street where his work took center stage.
The shop was brimful with friends and admirers, despite the seasonal onslaught of competing parties. Guests including Nonita Kalra, Celina Wadia, Farah Oomerbhoy, Nandita Mahtani, Nonita Kalra, Devisha Singh and her mother Shivin Kumari, made merry with Cabana contributors and supporters, including deputy editor Miguel Flores Vianna, Fin Fellowes, Celia Weinstock, Hatta Byng and Orson Fry.
Vikram and his studio created three mythological designs that reference repoussé metal in bas relief, on gilded paper from his workshop. The collaboration was orchestrated by conceptual matchmakers, Cabana's Creative Editorial Director, Sophie Goodwin, and Chiara di Carcaci of leading strategic agency, Tiger's Eye, and offers a novel take on de Gournay’s traditional hand painted wallpapers.
Fusing exotic birds, gardens and florals synonymous with de Gournay with Vikram’s many sources of inspiration such as beautiful Indian miniatures and paintings from Persia; the resulting gold finish wallpapers breathe new life into existing or historical life forms. The striking designs follow the elegant woven cane and brass bar cart, which Vikram exclusively designed for Cabana earlier this year.
Indian canapes including spinach samosas, spiced cauliflower and slow cooked lamb filo baskets were served on de Gournay porcelain amongst the floor-to-ceiling papers, as barmen dressed in embroidered de Gournay waistcoats to match the chinoiserie served cocktails. Aptly named, Bhang Lassi (vodka based) Assam (rum based) and Arunchal Mist (tequila based) were topped with flowers, tea and banana leaves, and full of Indian ingredients like coconut, chili, ginger, lime and mango.
The lively cocktail party went on long past its cut off point, when everyone finally dispersed for the last dinner parties of the London art week.